potter & potter auctions · 2017. 6. 5. · 6. auto-magic picture gun. new york, stephens products...

2 • Potter & Potter Auctions

Exhibition

October 25 - 28, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm cst

Auction

Saturday, October 29th 2011 - 10:00 am cst

Potter & Potter Auctions, Inc.3729 N. Ravenswood Ave.

-Suite 116-Chicago, IL 60613

Selections from Ken Klosterman's

Salon de Magie Including Apparatus, Books, Ephemera,

and Posters; and featuring his collection of

Magical Woodcraft Manufactured by F.G. Thayer

and the Owen Brothers

Together with property from other consignors

Public Auction #012

Thank you for downloading the digital edition of this catalog. Hard copies can be purchased at our website, www.potterauctions.com.

To view detailed, color images of each lot and to place bids online for items in this catalog, please visit our partner website, www.liveauctioneers.com


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October 29, 2011 • 5

AppArAtus1. Achmed und Omar. Dresden, Herbert Martin Paufler, ca. 1960. An elaborate version of the classic sleight-of-hand trick The Thieves and Sheep, this variation uses seven bags of grain, two small wooden Bedouins, two leather camels, and two wooden tents. The bags are magically transported from one tent to another. Camels are made of leather and stand 7” high, dolls and tents of wood. Very good condition. Uncommon.

400/500

Perhaps best described as the “unknown father of micro magic apparatus,” Herbert Martin Paufler handcrafted a limited range of exquisitely detailed, finely decorated, charming magic props in his German workshops. He primarily worked in wood, and hand painted many of his props. Much of his apparatus relied on concealed electronic systems. His work undoubtedly served as inspiration for modern craftsmen of collectible micro magic apparatus, including Alan Warner and Eddy Taytelbaum. A book about Paufler’s magic and apparatus, Die H.M.P. Story, was written and published by Peter Rückert in 1991. Seldom are Paufler’s tricks encountered outside of Germany.

2. Aero Dynamic Bowl of Water Vanish & Reproduction. Akron, H. Marshall & Co., ca. 1956. The magician pours a pitcher full of water into a chrome-plated bowl. The bowl is set on top of a small platform attached to a metal pole, covered with a handkerchief, and the entire assemblage is raised high in the air. The silk is whisked away from the platform and the bowl vanishes. Moments later, on a matching platform held by another assistant across the stage, the bowl reappears. Includes all necessary props, duplicate bowl for examination, and an extra tray not originally supplied with the apparatus. Bowls measure 9” in diameter, poles 35” long. With original instructions. Very good condition. Rare.

1,200/1,500

Marshall built several of the “bowl on a pole” vanishes (including one for German illusionist Kalanag) and commercially marketed the trick in the 1950s. Each reappearing bowl, however, was custom made, as the apparatus was never advertised by Marshall. This unit was built for Texas collector and magician Ren Clark.

3. Al-Jo. Norwood Ohio, John Snyder, ca. 1930. The ultimate version of the popular Television Card Frame, devised by Al Wheatley and John Snyder. Two selected cards appear in the glass plates suspended in the frame. At the moment the cards appear, a bright flash of light is also seen. Includes original test bulb, two flash bulbs and wooden carrying case, as issued. One of approximately 50 units manufactured. With original instructions. Lacks triggering cable, otherwise good condition.

200/300

4. American Cords. Vienna, Klingl S&R, ca. 1930. Cords running between two wooden pillars are cut and restored. Similar to the Pillar of Solomon/Devil’s Pillar trick. 13 ¾” long. With original box, instructions (in German) and rethreading tool. Very good condition.

100/200

5. Architect’s Nightmare. San Francisco, House of Magic, ca. 1955. A version of the Blue Phantom trick, constructed to represent a small building. A blue “brick” mysteriously travels through a stack of six yellow “bricks,” stopping at different positions. 18 ¼” high. Hallmarked. Very good condition. Uncommon.

400/600

6. Auto-Magic Picture Gun. New York, Stephens Products Co., ca. 1940. Ostensibly a toy gun, this device was sold to mindreaders and mentalists by Nelson Enterprises of Columbus, Ohio as well as F.G. Thayer as a device that could be easily concealed in a dark séance room. The gun could then be used to project images – apparently ghostly images – onto clouds of smoke, walls, or other objects. Cast metal gun, original display box (lacking top) and films. Good condition. Uncommon.

100/200

7. Magic Ball Tube. German, ca. 1920. A set of four balls, a metal stand and a decorated cardboard tube make up the apparatus. No matter which order the colored balls are placed into the tube, they emerge in a different order, at the command of the audience or performer. With original instructions. Tube 6 ¾” long. Light wear to end caps; overall good condition.

100/200

8. Bewitched Coffee Cup. Vienna, Zauber-Klingl, ca. 1919. The magician pours coffee into a white china cup. When he picks up the cup and tosses its contents at the audience, the coffee is transformed into confetti. Mouth of cup measures 4 ¼” wide. One unobtrusive dent to cup, and light wear to paint, otherwise good condition.

150/250

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9. Special Bewitched Parasol. Glendale California, Loyd, ca. 1940. Exquisitely crafted parasol for Mutilated Parasol trick in which the parasol’s cover and a number of silk handkerchiefs change places. Parasol made of chromed brass with Catalin handle. With original box, three extra (loose) parasol covers, and duplicate set of silk handkerchiefs. Overall length of 30 ½”. Very good condition. Rare.

400/600

12. Locking Billfooled. New York, Gimacs Unlimited (Richard Himber), ca. 1959. A version of Himber’s classic changing wallet with a “locking” flap with snap closure, ostensibly to keep the wallet closed. Black Moroccan leather with brass accents. With original box and instructions. Very good condition.

75/150

10. Billfooled. New York, Gimacs Unlimited (Richard Himber), ca. 1959. A wallet which will causes objects to appear, vanish or change. Hidden flap concealed by pencil holder is incorporated into design of the wallet. Black Moroccan leather exterior. Very good condition.

75/150

11. Improved Billfooled. New York, Gimacs Unlimited (Richard Himber), ca. 1959. An early version of the Himber wallet, that secretly changes one item for another. Also known as the Polaroid Money wallet. Black Moroccan leather with brass accents. With original box and instructions. Very good condition.

75/150

13. Block Head. English, ca. 1950. A wooden block painted to represent a boy’s head is threaded onto a length of rope. The “block head” then escapes from the rope as if by magic. Hand painted block is also outfitted with clothes to represent a costume. Block measures 3 ½ x 3 ½ x 3 ½”. Good condition.

50/150

14. Block Penetration. Chicago, Ed Miller [?], ca. 1950. A metal tube is separated into two compartments by a sheet of glass, yet a metal cube passes completely through the tube and the glass, as if by magic. Block measures 2 x 2 x 2”. Good condition.

50/150

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October 29, 2011 • 7

15. Blue Phantom. Munich, Zauberzentrale, 1989. Miniature version of the popular trick in which a blue checker magically moves up and down in a stack of white checkers when covered with a tube. 5 ¾” high, on spun metal base. Manufactured in limited quantities. Fine condition.

350/450

16. Brahmin Rice Bowls. American [?], ca. 1930. A no-disc version of the classic Rice Bowl effect in which a quantity of rice placed in a set of nested bowls doubles in quantity, subsequently changing to water. Spun stainless steel. 3 ¼” tall with an opening 4” across. Some wear and small dents evident, but overall good condition.

50/150

17. Buried Treasure. Ardmore Pennsylvania, Edward Massey, ca. 1950. A small cabinet full of rice is in full view. A coin is marked and vanishes. The cabinet is opened and from inside a ribbon is seen. When pulled free of the cabinet and rice, on its end is found a bulldog clip. Between the clip’s jaws is the missing coin. Cabinet stands 6 ½” high. Good condition. Scarce.

100/200

18. Cage Production. Maker unknown, ca. 1925. Magician shows an empty box and from inside produces a square brass birdcage. The box can also be used to transform another object into the cage. Metal box covered with patterned cloth measures 5 ½ x 5 ½ x 6”. Accompanied by a second collapsible cage (different from the cage that fits into the box), for a possible transposition effect. Finish of cages worn, but overall good condition.

300/400

19. Cagliostro’s Crystal. Santa Monica California, Vanday Enterprises, ca. 1965. A card is selected and remembered by a spectator. The mindreader then invites the spectator to gaze into a crystal ball. Slowly, a picture of the card fades into view inside the crystal while the spectator holds it in his hands. Different cards can be made to appear in the crystal. Base measures 2 ¾” square. Formerly the property of Robert Nelson, owner and operator of Nelson Enterprises. With instructions. Very good condition.

250/300

20. Canary Cage. Colon Michigan, Abbott’s Magic Novelty Co., ca. 1943. Large chrome plated brass cage in which the magician can cause two canaries or even a live dove to visibly appear. Modeled after a similar design favored by Okito and manufactured by Carl Willmann. 9 ½ x 10 x 11”. Minor wear to door, otherwise fine condition. Uncommon.

300/500

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21. Candle Prediction. European [?], ca. 1930. A candelabra specially manufactured to facilitate a prediction effect. The magician predicts which of the three numbered candles the spectator will select. 13 x 7 ½”. Good condition.

100/200

22. Milbourne Christopher’s Cane to Umbrella. Chicago, W.R. Walsh [?], ca. 1949. The magician walks on stage carrying a black walking stick. He lifts it in the air where it instantly and visibly transforms into a bright red umbrella. Mechanical cane measures 34 ¼” long. Light wear to umbrella shade, but overall good condition. Scarce.

400/500

23. Cannonball Production. English [?], ca. 1910. Faux cannon ball which can be concealed in the magician’s hat. As objects are placed in the hat, they are actually deposited in a secret opening in the cannon ball. Later, the magician produces the ball from the hat and shows that it was otherwise empty. Spun metal with hidden door. Fair but working condition.

50/150

24. Jumbo Card Changing Houlette. American, ca. 1930. A wooden houlette that houses a deck of jumbo cards. When the magician passes a handkerchief over the houlette, the card on its face changes. Turned wooden base conceals push button mechanism. 5 ½ x 9 ½”.

150/300

25. Meteor Card Gun. New York, Louis Tannen [?], ca. 1940. Replica of Army 45 pistol sold by magic shops. A hidden attachment allows the performer to vanish a playing card from the tip of the gun. Barrel 6 ½” long. Light wear to finish, but overall good working condition.

200/250

26. Card in Balloon. Glendale California, Loyd [?], ca. 1940. A card is selected and lost in the pack. The deck is placed on an oval metal tray and a balloon is inserted in a holder connected to the tray. At the performer’s command, the balloon pops, revealing the selected card inside. Hammered metal tray measures 10” across. Shows slight pitting, otherwise good condition.

75/150

27. [Card Magic] Group of three vintage card tricks. Including a Card Fan on which three selected cards appear after the fan has been shown without decoration; a German-made Sand Frame; and a Hathaway Rising Card trick with chrome houlette. 1940s – 50s. Good condition.

100/200

28. Card Star. Berlin, Conradi-Horster, ca. 1930. Five cards selected from the deck instantly appear at the points of this metal skeleton-type star held in the magician’s hand or in the hand of his assistant. Chrome plated brass star can be activated by an offstage assistant or the person holding it. Disassembles for packing. Arms have a span of 33 ½”. Very good condition.

400/600

29. Card Sword. European, ca. 1980 [?]. A selected card is speared on the end of a sword when the deck is thrown in the air. Unusual design in that the hilt is hinged in a way to both conceal a card and at the same time allow it (when the magician desires) to be released from its hiding place and appear speared on the sword. 31” long. Good condition.

200/250

30. Card to Wallet. Glendale, Loyd, ca. 1945. A signed card vanishes and appears in the magician’s wallet, between two plastic plates held together with rubber bands. Gimmick slide hallmarked. Snap closure on wallet faulty, otherwise good condition.

50/100

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31. Change Bag (repeat). German [?], ca. 1920. Handsome velvet bag that allows the magician to vanish, produce, or change one object for another. This model features two changes, both operated by secret controls in the handle. Velvet bag with metal tassel and metal hardware. Opening of bag measures 5” in diameter. Minor paint wear to handle, otherwise good condition.

150/250

32. Milbourne Christopher’s Changing Bucket. Los Angeles, Owen Brothers [?], ca. 1960. Mechanical bucket that allows the magician to transform a quantity of liquid into a rabbit or doves. Spring-loaded interior flap divides two compartments; possibly lacking table into which the liquid is emptied. 8 ½” high. Good condition.

150/300

33. Chinese Flame Clock. Ardmore Pennsylvania, Ed Massey, ca. 1958. A candle is placed in an upright cabinet and two swords are thrust through the box. When doors in the front and back of the cabinet are opened, the candle can be seen, but its center section is missing. The doors are closed, swords removed, and the candle is now shown unharmed. Cabinet 13” high. Light wear to finish. Good condition.

200/250

34. Coin Casket. New York, Charles Kalish, ca. 1976. Four coins placed in this small casket are made to vanish one at a time by opening and closing its lid. Finally, with a snap of the fingers, the coins reappear in the box. Crafted from heavy machined brass, covered with tooled black leather. Internal spring-driven mechanism in good working order. 2 ½ x 1 ¾ x 2 ¾”. Very good condition. Rare.

1,800/2,000

35. Coin in Nest of Boxes. Tulsa Oklahoma, C. Stillwell, ca. 1960. A vanished coin reappears inside the smallest of three nested boxes. Outer box measures 6 ¾ x 5 ¼ x 5 ½”. Hallmarked. Good condition.

200/300

With: A Stillwell-made Lippincott-type box constructed from wood matching the other three boxes. Hallmarked and in very good condition.

36. Color Changing Ball Vase. Nuremberg, Carl Quehl, ca. 1930. Handsome wood turned vase which changes the color of a ball placed inside from red to blue and back again. 6 ¾” high. Ball 1 ¾” in diameter. Shell appears to have been repaired, otherwise good condition.

200/300

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37. Color Changing Knives. Wallace Idaho, Jeff Busby Magic Inc., ca. 1984. The color of a pocket knife changes as it passes through the performer’s hand. Complete set of three hardwood-handled Swiss Army knives includes two ungimmicked and one gimmicked knife, plus handmade carrying bag with manufacturer’s hallmark. Fine condition.

250/300

38. Color Changing Pencils. London, Lewis Davenport [?], ca. 1940. A neat wooden pencil case containing seven pastel-colored pencils is closed. When reopened, the pencils are all now brightly colored. 3 ½ x 8 x 1”. Very good condition.

40/80

39. Conjuror musical automaton. Paris, Leopold Lambert, ca. 1910. Impressive clown magician with hand painted face, glass eyes and elaborate costume standing behind a table with a spun metal cup in his right hand and wand in his left. When activated, the magician raises the cup to reveal one of four objects – a watch, a gem, a die, or a compass. The figure performs several actions in order to change the objects under the cup, including raising and lowering his head, shaking head from side-to-side, sticking out tongue, and waving the magic wand in a circular motion. The automaton’s actions are accompanied by a two-tune music box. The whole resting on a velvet-covered base, with original key. Overall height of 24”. Clothes have been replaced. Original clothes have been preserved. Very good condition.

12,000/15,000

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40. Ken Griffin’s Comedy Bucket and Lota Bowl. American, ca. 1960 [?]. The magician pours water from a small brass urn that magically refills itself several times into a large metal bucket. When the magician tosses the water in the bucket toward the audience, it transforms into dry confetti. Used by Ken Griffin and Roberta in their illusion show that toured throughout the United States. Bucket stands 8 3/4” high. Urn (lota bowl) shows considerable wear and dents, likely an intentional embellishment by Griffin.

200/300

41. Climax Table to Briefcase. New York, Gimacs Unlimited (Richard Himber), 1960. At the conclusion of his performance, the magician picks up the table on which he has been working and with a few deft flips and twists, transforms it into a leather briefcase, which he places under his arm as he walks off the stage. Hand-stitched leather case measures 17 ½ x 13”. Very good condition. Rare.

300/500

According to Himber’s advertising in Genii magazine in 1960, “We only have twelve made. Pardon us. Don Allen, Karrel Fox, and Duke Stern each bought one. We only have nine left.”

42. Three vintage Coin Trays. Including a spun copper tray manufactured by Sherms of Bridgeport, Connecticut, ca. 1940, 4” in diameter and hallmarked; a wooden tray possibly made by F.G. Thayer, bearing the label of Chet Kartkut underneath and measuring 6 ¾ x 3 ¼”; and a Bakelite “Demon” coin tray made by Davenports Magic of London bearing the firm’s demon head logo at its center, ca. 1940, in original box, 3 ¾” in diameter. Good condition.

75/150

43. Coin Vase. American, ca. 1920. Four coins vanish from the magician’s hands and instantly reappear in a clear glass vase on the conjurer’s table. Lacks lid, but includes gimmick usually absent. 6 ¾” tall. Good condition.

150/200

An exceedingly popular trick, Coin Vases of this nature were sold by virtually every American and European manufacturer of magic between 1900 and 1930.

44. Copenetro. Indiana Pennsylvania, Klinecraft, ca. 1949. A shot glass rests on a small wooden pedestal and is covered by a clear tumbler. The magician vanishes four half dollars and they reappear in the shot glass one at a time. Shot glass chipped, otherwise good condition.

100/150

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45. Coronation Card Case. London, Harry Leat, ca. 1929. A small wooden box is shown empty, and the lid is closed. A moment later, a deck of cards appears in the box. Three hidden spring-loaded devices are responsible for the working of the trick. With original instructions. One hinge lacks pin, otherwise good condition.

50/150

46. Cuba Libre. European, ca. 1990. Also known as Selbit’s Magic Bricks, the order of six blocks, stacked upon each other and covered by a square tube, magically changes at the magician’s command, and in concert with a matching set of blocks. Blocks measure 2 ¼” cubed. Very good condition.

200/300

47. Cuban Release. London, Unique Magic Studio, ca. 1955. A large wooden block is threaded onto two ropes and locked into a skeleton frame. The block then magically penetrates the two ropes visibly and without cover. Block measures 5 x 5 x 5”. Light wear to finish.

100/200

Cups And BAlls48. Johnson Products Cups and Balls. Arcadia California, Johnson Products, ca. 2000. Set of three machine turned cups for the classic magic trick. Includes black velvet bag and crocheted balls. Hallmarked. Good condition.

300/400

49. Brema Cups. Philadelphia, Carl Brema & Son, ca. 1935. Three chrome plated brass cups. Similar to the Ireland design. 4” high with an opening of 3 ¼”. Used but good condition. Uncommon.

300/400

50. Charlie Miller Cups. Chicago, Magic Inc., ca. 1970s. Heavy copper cups patterned after Ross Bertram’s design, that have come to be known as the “Miller” cups. Good condition.

200/250

51. Miniature Cups. American [?], ca. 1930. Miniature set of three cups for the Cups and Balls trick. Nickel plated brass. 2 1/8” high with a mouth 1 ¾” across. Good condition.

100/200

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52. P&L Cups. New Haven, Petrie and Lewis, ca. 1940. Set of three spun copper cups, each standing 3 3/8” high, with an opening 2 ¾” in diameter. Hallmarked. Showing light wear to finish; overall good condition.

200/250

55. Dean’s Box. Los Angeles, Dean Dill, ca. 2002. Handsome hardwood box with brass fittings and accessories for a series of effects with ropes and rings first devised by Paul Curry. With accessories, instructions, video and shipping box. As new.

100/200

53. Liquid Load Cups and Balls. Chicago, National Magic Co., ca. 1940. Oversized chrome plated cups allow the magician to produce a quantity of liquid from within each cup after the performance of a traditional Cups and Balls routine. 5” high with an opening 4” wide. Hallmarked. Good condition.

200/300

54. Cups of Plenty. New York, Himber’s Custombilt Magic, ca. 1961. Two apparently innocent coffee cups that can be examined by a spectator allow the magician to produce a seemingly endless quantity of liquid, perform the Rice Bowls effect, or one of ten other tricks. Light wear to finish, but overall good condition.

200/300

56. Die Box. California, Milson-Worth, ca. 1970. Gorgeous walnut die box with brass hardware, double-door feature and shell. Black die with white spots measures 3 ¼”. Fine condition.

300/350

57. Die Box. English, ca. 1920 [?]. Handsome and large hardwood die box with large wooden alphabet block that vanishes from the box and reappears elsewhere. Unusual in construction in that the double-door and shell are different than most modern versions of the effect. Box measures 9 ¼ x 5 x 6”. Light wear to shell and finish of box, but overall good condition.

250/350

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58. Die Box. European, ca. 1900. Handsome early die box for the traditional sucker effect. Operates with a sliding carriage for the shell. Fine burled wooden panels and brass hardware with painted black accents. Original tin shell included, but lacks die (easily replaced). 8 ½ x 4 ½ x 4 ½”. Shows wear and age; fair condition. Still, an early and desirable example of this perennially popular effect.

200/300

59. Divination trick. Germany, Haug, ca. 1960. Four numbered blocks are placed in a small wooden chest in any order. The smaller chest is closed and placed inside a larger wooden box that is also snapped shut. Despite these “test” conditions, the mind reader determines the position of each numbered block. Well made inlaid hardwood boxes, the largest measuring 7 ¼ x 3 ¼ x 2”. Lacks key (easily replaced), otherwise very good condition.

200/250

60. Doll Production. European [?], ca. 1940. A large doll is removed from a wooden cloth-covered box and the lid is replaced. When the lid is removed a second time, another doll

is found inside the box, completely filling the interior. Vintage plastic dolls (possibly replacements) stand 12” high. Good condition.

100/200

61. Dove Pan. Burtini [?], 1940s. Nickel plated pan from which the magician can produce a quantity of objects or even two live doves. On a handsome spun base. Similar to a design manufactured by Burtini. 6 ¼” tall. Good condition.

200/250

62. Drawer Box. London, J. Bland, ca. 1880. The drawer in an oblong box is opened and shown empty. When opened and closed again, the drawer is now full of candy, or even two live doves. Veneer of burled hardwoods with two elaborate inlaid designs and pressure-activated gimmick. 4 x 4 x 8”. Veneer showing wear especially at corners and one crack at rear, but overall good condition.

500/700

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63. Drawer Box. European [?], ca. 1920. Handsome mahogany wooden drawer box which is shown empty. When the drawer is re-opened, it is full of any objects the magician desires. 6 x 10 x 5”. Chipping to extremities.

100/200

64. Egyptian Cabinet. London, Hamley & Co., ca. 1895. Any object placed in the drawer of this small ebonized wooden cabinet can be made to vanish or change into another object. A clever sliding panel arrangement hides a second, identical drawer. Similar cabinets were advertised and sold by Martinka and Dickmann. 2 ½ x 2 ½ x 3”. Good condition.

100/200

65. Enchanted Mummies. Munich, Zauberzentrale, ca. 1979. Three small mummies are hidden by the spectators – either in a sarcophagus, under covers on an elaborate platform, or even in the spectator’s pockets. No matter where the mummies are hidden, the magician instantly divines their location without touching the props. Mummies measure 4 ¼” high. Very good condition. Scarce.

700/900

66. S. S. Henry’s Find the Lady. Cincinnati, S.S. Henry, ca. 1930. A magic trick similar to the game of Three Card Monte. No matter how fair the procedure seems, no spectator can find the Queen of Hearts when she is mixed together with two jacks, even though the cards are placed in a stand, which ostensibly precludes any potential for sleight-of-hand. Handmade wooden stand with metal base, decorated by artist-magician Sheldon Spar Henry, a Lyceum and Chautauqua entertainer and noted craftsman. 17 ¼” x 11 ¼”. Good condition.

200/250

67. Finger Chopper. Alberta Canada, Micky Hades, ca. 1985. A spectator’s finger is magically penetrated by a steel blade. Hardwood and metal, 5 ¼” high. Very good condition.

100/200

68. Fire Bowl. European, ca. 1919. The magician produces a bowl of fire from a handkerchief. The lid is placed on the bowl and when removed, flowers appear in the bowl. Unusual design of this classic prop with a bracket at the bowl’s outer edge. Hallmarked “HERIOT” on bracket. 7” in diameter. Bottom dented, generally worn. An unusual and early example of this classic prop.

200/250

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69. Fire Bowl. European [?], ca. 1930. The magician produces a metal bowl from a handkerchief. Fire erupts from the bowl. The magician sets the bowl on a pedestal, clamps on the lid, and when he removes the lid, the fire has changed to flowers. Chrome plated brass bowl with lid and pedestal stands 11 ¼” high. Center post of gimmick re-soldered, otherwise good condition.

300/400

70. Miniature Fire Bowl. North Hollywood, Merv Taylor, ca. 1955. Chick-pan size copper fire bowl with triggering system concealed in base. Includes lid and load pan. Hallmarked. Good condition. Uncommon.

150/250

71. Miniature Flash Frame. England, Colin Rose/Five of Hearts Magic, 1997. A card visibly appears in a picture frame. From an idea by Patrick Page. 5 ½ x 7”. With original instructions.

50/150

72. Flexible Mirror. Garnerville New York, Wellington Enterprises, ca. 1985. A mirror in a wooden frame is placed into a knitted cloth bag. The magician first passes a long steel needle through the mirror, and then visibly bends the mirror and frame in half. When the mirror is removed from the bag, it is shown to be unharmed. Frame measures 14 x 10 ¼”. Minor wear to finish; good condition.

200/300

The Flexible Mirror trick was originated by British magician Oswald Rae and first published in his book Sub Rosa in the 1920s. Doug Henning popularized this trick in the 1980s, and used apparatus made by Wellington Enterprises, identical to that offered here.

73. Floating Ball. Hamburg, Janos Bartl [?], ca. 1947. Metal ball of spun aluminum can be caused to float above the stage and back and forth. 6” in diameter. Some wear to finish, but overall good condition.

75/150

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petrie’s MAsterpieCe74. Flowering Rose Bush. New Haven, Petrie & Lewis, ca. 1945. A barren green plant in a large pot rests on the magician’s table. At the performer’s command, the bush slowly begins to sprout and grow real roses in a manner resembling time-lapse photography. At the conclusion of the trick, the flowers can be distributed to audience members. Faux plant is manufactured of copper, with hammered metal leaves. Hallmarked. Some wear to foliage and finish of pot, but overall good condition.

3,000/4,000

75. Fortune Telling Ball. Chicago Magic Co. [?], ca. 1920. Wooden ball with a hole running through its center is placed on an upright metal stand. Mysteriously, the ball rises and falls to answer questions, tell time, reveal the names of chosen cards, and more. The ball can be examined both before and after the trick is performed. Rod and base 25 ¼” high, ball 4” in diameter. Stand shows wear from use and several small dents; lacking plug in upright; overall good condition.

800/1,200

76. Frakson’s Original Money Catching Trick. Chicago, Chicago Magic Company, ca. 1929. An attractive brass champagne bucket that has been outfitted with three gimmicks that allow the performer to produce an apparently endless quantity of half dollars from mid air. Five droppers are concealed in the base of the pail, and spring loaded Kellar-type droppers are hidden in each handle. According to Chicago Magic Company advertising, this pail was modeled after the very same device used by Frakson in his performances on the Keith vaudeville circuit. 7 ½” high. Possibly lacking a small metal lip on the underside of the pail, but otherwise very good condition.

400/600

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77. Gammatration and Cosmovision. Norwood, John Snyder, ca. 1936. Two jumbo cards are removed from a pack. One is placed in a slatted frame, while the other is held by a spectator. The card in the frame is penetrated by a magic wand, then shown unharmed. It subsequently visibly changes places with the card in the spectator’s hands. Includes original frame, stand, and carrying case, but lacking jumbo cards (easily replaced). Hallmarked. Very good condition. Uncommon.

200/300

79. The Giant and the Dwarf. Hollywood, Merv Taylor, ca. 1955. A cut-out dwarf and giant change sizes when placed in the “magic castle” to the accompaniment of a humorous story. Includes metal gimmicks, lacquered metal cut-outs and necessary stands. Hallmarked. Good condition.

150/300

78. Little Gem Deluxe Beer Keg. Columbus Ohio, U.F. Grant, ca. 1945. The magician shows an empty wooden barrel and caps its ends with paper. He inserts a spigot, then pours a large quantity of drinks from inside the small keg. Oak keg with composition material and metal bands. 10” high, 6 ½” in diameter. Shows wear, but good condition. Has not been tested with liquid. Uncommon.

300/500

80. Guinea Pig Box. Tampa, Warren Hamilton, ca. 1965. Hardwood cage with brass bars holds a live guinea pig. The magician removes the animal from the cage and tears it to pieces. Thanks to the special cage, the real animal is, of course, unharmed. Box measures 11 x 9 x 8 1/2”. Hallmarked. Very good condition.

300/400

This prop was the invention of California magician E. Loyd Enochs, who manufactured magic under the name Loyd. The most famous performance of the effect was undoubtedly Harry Anderson’s. He appeared on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s and to open the show (which he hosted), instead of dismembering the guinea pig, he ate it.

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81. Harvey. New York, Gimacs Unlimited (Richard Himber), ca. 1958. The magician borrows a hat, has a card selected and returned to the deck, and the cards are thrown in the hat. Then, an “invisible rabbit” throws the cards out of the hat. Finally, while the magician stands at a distance from the hat, the selected card rises from inside. Mechanical device can be inserted into any hat and removed just as easily. Includes typewritten and illustrated instructions by Richard Himber sent to the original owner. Good condition. Scarce.

300/400

The title of this effect was clearly a play on the popular Jimmy Stewart film of the same name. Himber’s patter for the trick also revolved around an invisible rabbit living in the borrowed hat.

82. Haunted Chimneys. Cincinnati, Silk King Studios, ca. 1950. Two metal tubes with contrasting “modernistic” finishes are shown empty. The magician then produces a large quantity of silk handkerchiefs from inside the nested tubes. 6 ¾” tall, 2 ¾” in diameter. With original mailing tube and box. Fine condition.

75/150

83. The Haunted House. Ben Wallace, ca. 1946. Three cards are selected from the pack, returned, and the cards are placed in a small “haunted” house. The magician waves his hand and the selections rise from the house’s chimney one at a time. Then the house is opened again and out pops the ghost that apparently caused the mysterious rising of the cards. Tin house with folk art-type hand painted decorations and spring activated ghost with hand-carved wooden face. House measures 5 x 3 x 7”. Some paint wear, but overall good condition.

100/200

used By Houdini84. Houdini’s Flight of Time Alarm Clock. New York, R.S. Schlosser, ca. 1924. A faux alarm clock once part of the apparatus for Houdini’s trick known as The Flight of Time. In the effect, Houdini would cause six (or in some versions, eight) alarm clocks to invisibly fly from his hands to the ends of chains dangling from a board across the stage. When the clocks reappeared, their bells rang loudly. This is one of the spring-loaded reappearing clocks. Face measures 3 7/8” in diameter. The underside of the clock bears the Roman numeral “IV” in black lettering, possibly indicating that it was the fourth clock to reappear. Worn and tarnished, with hanging ring re-soldered from repeated use; overall good condition.

800/1,200

The Flight of Time was performed on Houdini’s final American tour, in 1925 and 1926; it was later used extensively by his brother Hardeen in a Broadway production of Hellz-a-Poppin with Olsen & Johnson, and in his own stage shows.

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October 29, 2011 • 21

85. Humpty Dumpty Dyeing of Silks. Glendale, Loyd, ca. 1938. The magician passes a white handkerchief through a paper tube and as it comes out the other end, a portrait of Humpty Dumpty has appeared on it. Other handkerchiefs are passed through the tube and transform into colorful silks that illustrate the fairy tale and bring it to its conclusion. At the end of the story, the tube is unrolled and inside is Humpty Dumpty himself, in doll form. Five “charm” silks and special Humpty Dumpty figure which measures 17” long. With original instructions. Light wear to costume of doll, otherwise good condition.

150/200

86. Improved Einstein. New York, Gimacs Unlimited (Richard Himber), ca. 1960. An apparently innocent Lucite beer stein containing approximately one quart of milk is poured into a much, much smaller vessel. Stein stands 7” high. Very good condition Rare.

200/400

87. Instant Silk Vanishing Tube. Kansas City, Donald Holmes [?], ca. 1930. A quantity of silks placed in a large nickel plated tube swiftly and visibly vanish even though their corners are seen protruding from atop the tube. After they vanish, spectators can see through the tube. 12 ¼” high. Good condition.

75/150

88. Jewel Chest of Ching See. Glendale, Loyd, ca. 1945. A wooden block with a hole running through it is placed in an open hardwood cabinet. A brass rod is run through the cabinet and block, locking the block inside. A hat is placed on top of all, and at the magician’s command, the block visibly vanishes from the cabinet and is reproduced from the hat. Hallmarked. Minor scuffing to finish of cabinet, but overall good condition.

200/300

89. Little Johnny Jones’ Accordion Wallet. American, ca. 1940. Leather “gag” wallet that expands when opened to reveal 15 compartments, accordion-style. Owned by vaudeville magician “Little” Johnny Jones. Good condition.

40/80

90. Key Box. Leiden Holland, Anverdi, ca. 1970. A small chest is shown about and seven keys are removed from inside. The chest is locked and the magician offers a spectator a choice of any six of the keys. No matter which keys the spectator selects, none of them will open the chest. The only one that will is the seventh, which the magician holds. Box measures 6 ¾ x 3 ¾ x 4”. Includes instructions. Very good condition. Not tested with batteries.

600/800

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91. Laff Riot. New York, Himber’s Custombilt Magic, 1963. A padlock with an extra long hasp is locked shut. The magician then notes that he only has one key for the lock, so for safekeeping, magically links the key to the hasp of the lock. The magician can remove and replace the key on the hasp as often as he chooses, but a spectator cannot. One of 25 units manufactured. With original box. Very good condition. Uncommon.

300/400

92. Leon’s Improved Glass Penetration. North Hollywood, Merv Taylor, ca. 1955. A sheet of glass is placed in a wooden box. The box (and glass, apparently) is then perforated by fourteen metal spikes. A length of ribbon is even run through the box and glass. When the box is opened again, the glass is shown unharmed. Box measures 4 5/8 x 4 5/8 x 5 ½”. One spike hallmarked. Lacking two spikes, otherwise good condition.

150/250

93. Leon’s Wine and Water. North Hollywood, Merv Taylor, ca. 1953. After performing the biblical miracle of transforming water into wine, the magician pours a quantity of water into a tall clear cylinder and covers the container with a metal tube. When the cylinder is uncovered moments later, inside is seen both wine and water, clearly separate from each other in four sections. Cylinder stands 11 ¾” high. Hallmarked. Good condition. Scarce.

150/250

94. Lie Detector. Columbus, U.F. Grant, ca. 1950. Faux “lie detector” with space to accommodate a deck of cards. Used to reveal a spectator’s selected card, even when the spectator lies about its identity. Plexiglass box measures 9 ½ x 4 ½ x 5”. Has not been tested with batteries. Good condition.

50/150

95. Lights Itself Candle. London, Unique Magic Studio, ca. 1950. A lit candle in a short candlestick is blown out. As the magician walks away from the candle, it relights. Brass and plastic construction, electronically controlled. Candle stands 8” high. Glo-plug may need replacement, otherwise good condition.

100/200

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92

9694

95

October 29, 2011 • 23

96. Locking Switch Box. London, Will Goldston Ltd., ca. 1935. A small metal box that can be used to change one item for another. The gimmick can be operated from outside the box and locks in one position. 3 x 3 x 4 ¼”. Good condition.

75/150

99. Lota Vases. New York, Maurice Kains [?], ca. 1940s. Two Chinese vessels repurposed and expertly converted into lota bowls that will continually refill themselves with liquid even after the liquid is poured from them. Larger vase stands 8” high; smaller stands 5 ½” high. Good condition.

100/200

See The Linking Ring for July, 1942 for Maurice Kains’ extensive discussion of his work on the lota principle. The article includes a photograph of one vase virtually identical to the larger vase offered here.

97. Giant Lota Bowl. Bridgeport, Sherms Inc., ca. 1935. Copper and brass spittoon-type vessel from which the magician can pour a seemingly endless quantity of water, even after emptying the bowl several times. 5” in diameter at the mouth. Scuffing and wear to clear coat lacquered finish; otherwise good condition.

200/250

This lota is virtually identical in makeup to an all-copper version sold by P&L. Both bowls were apparently manufactured for Sherms (of Bridgeport) and P&L (of New Haven) by the same firm.

98. Lota Pitcher. Germany, Ted Lesley’s Wonder Workshop, ca. 2003. Ceramic pitcher gimmicked in the form of a lota bowl so that even after it has been emptied, it refills several times with liquid. 6 ½” high. In custom fitted case. Fine condition.

150/300

100. Handkerchief Production Box. Midlothian Scotland, Silray Magic Co. (Jack Silver), ca. 1961. A small Perspex (plastic) box is shown empty by sliding one side open. When reopened, a handkerchief has appeared. Can also be used to change one object for another or to cause an object to vanish. 2 ¼ x 2 ¼ x 2 ½”. Very good condition. Uncommon.

100/200

101. Magic Numbers. Vienna, Zauber Klingl, ca. 1940. Ten beautifully finished wooden placards, each bearing one of the numerals from 1 – 10. The magician predicts which of the 10 numbers a spectator will select. 2 ½ x 4”. Good condition.

40/80

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102. [Magic Set] Adams’ Card Miracles. Neptune New Jersey, S.S. Adams Co., ca. 1940. Group of card tricks employing specially printed cards devised by Theodore DeLand. Each trick is packed in a pictorial envelope with original instructions, collated into a small magic set with pictorial cardboard box. Fourteen tricks in all; three in duplicate. Tricks in good condition; box shows wear.

50/150

104. [Magic Set] Neuer Taschenspieler Apparat magic set. Germany, KIB, ca. 1890. Small magic set in wooden box. Included are four wooden tricks: Grandmother’s Necklace, ice pick/awl, Coin Column, and Solomon’s Pillars, all likely replacements. Box is made of cloth-covered wood with lithographed label depicting a magician on stage. Box measures 5 ¾ x 5 ¾ x 2 ¼”. Fair condition.

150/250

103. [Magic Set] Der kleine Zauberer magic set. Germany, ca. 1900. Child’s magic set manufactured for export from Germany, includes triple color-changing egg vase, magic wand, magic domino cards, flap card box, hollow egg, and more. Includes English instruction booklet. Some parts may not be original. Wooden box measures 10 ½ x 8 x 2 ¼”. Paper labels showing wear, otherwise good condition.

200/300

105. Menu Clock Production. New York, Himber’s Custombilt Magic, ca. 1963. The magician shows a leather-covered menu inside and out. He then produces a ringing brass alarm clock from between the menu covers. With original cloth zippered carrying case. Good condition. Uncommon.

300/400

102

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October 29, 2011 • 25

106. Mickey Mouse and his Magic Coats. Chicago, L.L. Ireland, ca. 1932. A Mickey Mouse doll disappears and reappears from three different corduroy coats and finally reappears in the box in which the props were stored. Complete with original box, three coats and two Mickey Mouse figures manufactured by Seiberling Latex Co., Akron, Ohio. Figures stand 6 ½” high. With original instructions. Figures fragile with cracks and wear, but overall good condition. Uncommon.

200/300

109. Miracle Phone. New York, U.F. Grant, ca. 1938. A card is chosen and lost in the deck. A second spectator then picks up the receiver of this telephone and apparently hears ghostly voices which reveal the name of the selected card to the listener, without prompting from the magician. Cleverly gimmicked vintage telephone in working order. Light wear to finish. Good condition.

100/200

107. Millet Bell. Nuremburg, Carl Quhel, ca. 1930. A quantity of millet or seed appears underneath a turned wooden bell. 4 ½” high. Very good condition.

50/100

108. Million Dollar Houlette. New York, Richard Himber, ca. 1960. A shuffled deck is placed into a clear plastic houlette to prevent the magician from tampering with it. Even so, the specially constructed houlette allows the magician to switch the shuffled cards for a prepared deck. 3 ¼ x ¾ x 5”. Good condition.

200/400

110. Miracle Steel Ball Thro’ Glass. London, Lewis Davenport Ltd., ca. 1939. The magician locks a small sheet of glass into a wooden frame and closes the lid. A steel ball rests on the glass through a hole in the frame. The ball then passes through the glass and frame – without leaving a hole in the glass. The apparatus can then be examined. With original fitted carrying case. Hallmarked. Underside of frame shows warpage, but overall good working condition. Uncommon.

400/600

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111. Money Maker. North Hollywood, Merv Taylor, ca. 1959. As blank paper is cranked through the rollers of this device, it comes out the other side of the “machine” as real currency. Hardwood base and frame with metal rollers and knobs. 5 ¾ x 5 ¾ x 6 ½”. Hallmarked. Good condition.

300/500

112. Mystic Key. London, Unique Magic Studio, ca. 1955. A miniature door outfitted with a Yale lock is shown, along with seven keys. No matter how the keys are mixed, and despite the fact that the magician does not touch them, only he knows the location of the single key that will open the lock. Handsome hardwood frame measures 10 x 12”. Light wear at extremities, but overall good condition. Scarce.

400/500

113. Nest of Boxes. Escondido California, John Dahms, 1986. A watch or other small object is caused to vanish. It later reappears inside the smallest of a set of five nesting boxes. Hardwood boxes with dovetail corners and hand-carved lids, each crafted from a different exotic hardwood. Largest and smallest boxes signed by Dahms. Largest box measures 8 x 7 ½” x 8”. Very good condition. Uncommon.

1,200/1,500

114. [P&L] P&L “production tube” magic trick. New Haven Connecticut, Petrie & Lewis, ca. 1939. A metal tube is shown empty, yet from inside the magician produces a billiard ball or other small object. The tube could also be used to vanish or change small objects. Made of heavy gauge brass, lacquered in red and gold. Load chamber features a spring loaded lid for easy access to its interior. 3 x 3 x 8”. Paint chipping, but otherwise very good condition. Rare.

300/350

Though bearing the same design as Petrie & Lewis’s coin tray and made of similar material to other P&L products, this piece of apparatus was never listed in a P&L catalog or advertised for sale by the firm. It bears similarities to products made by Thayer (from wood). The load chamber is easily concealed by the operator’s hand and swivels into position inside the tube silently and quickly. Possibly a unique prototype manufactured by P&L.

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October 29, 2011 • 27

115. Parrot Automaton. American [?], ca. 1950. Life size mechanical macaw parrot automaton, possibly used as a window display; later used by The Hoefordts in their trained bird act. When activated, the bird’s head and body move, and it opens and closes its beak. Decorated with dyed feathers and electrically operated. 30” high from base to top of bird’s head. Good working condition.

800/1,200

117. Passe Passe Bottles. Glendale, Loyd, ca. 1945. A bottle and glass placed under separate tubes repeatedly and magically change places. One tube is outfitted with an additional gimmick for a Topsy-Turvy-type routine. Tubes stand 11 ½” high. Good condition.

150/250

118. Passe Passe Bottles. European, ca. 1970 [?]. A small black bottle and shot glass transpose magically when covered with cardboard tubes. Bottles stand 7 ½” high. Very good condition.

100/200

116. Passe Passe Beer Cans. Chicago, L.L. Ireland, ca. 1940. A bottle of Schlitz beer trades places magically with a glass of beer when both are covered with decorated metal tubes. Shell bottles manufactured from vintage Schlitz cans. Tubes stand 6 ¾” high. Lacks glassware. Tubes repainted.

50/150

119. Passe Passe Whiskey Bottles. New York, Gimacs Unlimited, ca. 1960. An elaborate set of nesting Passe Passe bottles with genuine bottle labels on each of the shells. Red anodized tubes stand 12 ½” tall. Labels significantly worn, but good working condition.

350/400

115

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120. Archer Karakuri mechanical doll/automaton. Tokyo, Gakken, Ca. 2004. Designed during the Edo period (1603-1867), the mechanics that make this recreation karakuri doll function are precise and complex. Karakuri refers to the mechanisms that make a machine function. Wind-up doll pulls an arrow out of the fan beside him, puts it to his bow, aims, and fires at a target. Complete with custom wooden carrying case. As new.

200/300

121. Server Karakuri mechanical doll/automaton. Tokyo, Gakken, ca. 2004. Designed during the Edo period (1603-1867), the mechanics that make this recreation karakuri doll function are precise and complex. Karakuri refers to the mechanisms that make a machine function. Wind-up doll approaches with a full teacup on a tray; it stops walking when the teacup is taken, waits, and then turns and walks away with the empty teacup on its tray. Complete with custom wooden carrying case. As new.

150/250

122. [P&L] Two Petrie & Lewis magic props. Both being unusual items, the first a tray similar to that supplied with the Petrie Jumbo Four-Ace Stand, likely lacking feet, but with a secret compartment underneath it; and a chromed metal tube with central dividing wall. Both hallmarked with the P&L logo. Good condition.

50/100

123. Pillar of the Magi. California, Milson-Worth, ca. 1985. A selected card is lost in the pack. The cards are placed in the base of a large platform from which extends a brass pole. At the top of the pole is a brass eagle. At the magician’s command, the cards spring from the base in a shower, but one card is caught in the beak of the bird – the spectator’s selection. Finely crafted wooden base with inlaid eagle design approximating the look of an early American/revolutionary-era decoration. Base measures 13 ½ x 13 ½ x 6”. Overall height of 37”. Fewer than six units were manufactured. Several unobtrusive stress fractures to brass column, otherwise good condition.

1,500/1,800

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October 29, 2011 • 29

124. [Pocket Tricks] Group of four vintage pocket tricks. Including a Ball Vase (Carl Quhel, ca. 1930), Master Key trick (Sherms, ca. 1940, in original box), Ring Vanishing Box (maker unknown) and Santemma’s Prediction Clock (ca. 1919; lacking miniature compass). Good condition.

50/150

127. Rapping Hand. European [?], ca. 1930. Finely carved lightweight wooden hand which can, without visible connections to the magician or anything else, rap out answers to questions posed to it by the audience. Overall length of 8”. Minor wear to paint at tip of one finger and wrist, otherwise good condition.

100/200

125. Prediction Slate. American, ca. 1950 [?]. A mechanical slate with internal mechanism controlled from the rear which causes four square boxes apparently written by the magician to appear or disappear from the front of the slate. Good condition.

50/150

126. Production Bottles. Kansas City Missouri, Otto Metal Spinning Co., ca. 1945. Six half-bottles which nest together and can be produced from a borrowed hat. When displayed, each bottle appears to be solid and whole. Bottles stand 10 ¼” high. Light wear to labels and finish, but overall good condition.

100/200

128. Rice Bowls. San Francisco, Stull Magic Co., ca. 1942. A bowl is filled with rice, covered with a second bowl, and a moment later, the rice has doubled in quantity. The rice then transforms into water. Spun aluminum bowls with gimmick. 5 1/2” in diameter. Hallmarked. Good condition.

50/150

Stull Magic was in business for only four years, but had a reputation for manufacturing quality apparatus. The modern version of the Rice Bowl trick, offered here, was invented by T. Francis Fritz (Frank Ducrot).

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129. Rice Vases. European, ca. 1890. Two spun brass vases from which a quantity of rice or millet vanishes. The first lacking its interior spring mechanism, the second lacking its lid and with its bottom rusted and worn through. The pair sold as-is.

150/250

131. Sacred Candle of India. Glendale, Loyd, ca. 1943. Magician shows a candle in a small holder, and covers the candle with a chromed metal tube. The tube is shorter than the candle. Candle is removed from holder and tube, and vanishes. Cap is removed from tube to show that the candle has reappeared inside. Candle stands 8” high. Hallmarked. Very good condition.

100/200

130. Rising Cigarettes. Cincinnati, Vern Hartmann, 1985. Two cigarettes rise mysteriously from a pack. Bench-made mechanical device crafted from brass can be operated with one hand. Hallmarked. With custom carrying case and instructions. Very good condition.

150/200 132. Sand Canisters. Glendale, Loyd, ca. 1940. A quantity of sand is poured into a large metal canister from a smaller canister until the large canister is overflowing. Even so, the magician can continually fill the larger canister to overflowing as many as four times. Largest canister stands 11 ½” high. Finish worn, but good working condition. Uncommon.

600/900

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October 29, 2011 • 31

133. Saturnus Ball. Hamburg, Janos Bartl, ca. 1920. At the magician’s command, a metallic red ball in a brass holder (approximating the look of a large baby rattle) changes color to bright blue. Overall height of 9 ¾”. Good condition.

300/400

134. Schlitz Bottle Trick. New York, Himber’s Custombilt Magic, ca. 1959. The magician places a bottle of Budweiser into a paper bag. He removes a bottle of Schlitz and a mini bottle of Budweiser. The bag may then be torn open or crushed. The bottle of Budweiser is gone. With original instructions and box. Fine condition.

150/300

135. Silk and Ball Vase. Indiana, W. Tresslar, ca. 1990. Finely turned hard maple vase which contains a red ball. The magician transforms a handkerchief into a ball, and when he opens the vase, inside is the hanky. The ball and handkerchief can be made to change places at the performer’s will. Vase stands 6 ½” high, ball 1 ¾” in diameter. Fine condition.

100/200

136. Silk on Candle. American, ca. 1960 [?]. A handkerchief vanishes from between the magician’s hands and instantly reappears tied around a lit candle resting in a candlestick. 12 ¼” high. Very good condition.

100/200

137. Silk Pistol. Hamburg, Janos Bartl, ca. 1924. A handkerchief, draped over the barrel of this small imitation pistol, vanishes when the magician squeezes the trigger. Elaborate spring-driven mechanism and moveable arm have been added to this Gilling 112 cap pistol to effect the vanish. Barrel measures 4 ½” long. Paint shows some wear, but overall good condition.

200/250

138. Silk Pistol. Germany, The Magic Hands, ca. 1988. A silk handkerchief is draped over the barrel of an imitation pistol. When the gun is fired, the cloth vanishes, reappearing anywhere the magician desires. With original instructions. Very good condition.

150/250

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133 (two views)

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139. Silk Sword. American, ca. 1930. A silk handkerchief appears on the tip of a sword. 30” long. With original metal tip and elastic. Good condition.

150/300

140. Silver Rocket Box. New York, Himber’s Custombilt Magic, ca. 1957. The magician displays a small stainless steel box and opens door on all four sides, showing it empty. The doors are closed and the magician then produces a large quantity of handkerchiefs and other objects from the box’s interior. Likely manufactured by Merv Taylor for Himber. Box measures 6 x 4 x 4”. With original instructions. Good condition.

200/250

141. Sinuhe. Dresden, Herbert Martin Paufler, ca. 1970. A spectator selects one of six numbered cards and waves it before an elaborately decorated box decorated with Egyptian characters. The magician can instantly divine which of the six cards was removed without asking the spectator any questions. Egyptian “idol” box measures Accompanied by two decorative Egyptian figures not original to the apparatus. Not tested with batteries. Very good condition.

500/600

142. Six-Shot Lota. New Haven, Petrie & Lewis, ca. 1940. Small copper vessel from which the magician can pour six shots of liquid – even though after each pour, the vase is apparently empty. 3 ½” high. Hallmarked. One unobtrusive indentation at lower edge, otherwise good condition.

100/200

143. Chambers’ Spirit Ball. Topeka, Lloyd Chambers, ca. 1940. A wooden ball stops and starts on its path along a length of cord at the magician’s command. Clever gimmick concealed in turned wooden handle is responsible for the working of the trick. 3 ¼” in diameter. Inlaid design encircling the ball chipped, otherwise good condition.

200/250

One of many Loyd-made tricks sold by Thayer.

144. Spirit Slates. Vienna, Zauber Klingl, ca. 1930. A set of cleverly gimmicked slates in wooden frames on which apparent spirit messages can be made to appear. Operated by a mechanism similar to the Thayer “Dr. Q” slates. Two gimmicked slates and cardboard flaps. 9 ¾ x 6 ½”. Hallmarked. Very good condition.

150/200

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October 29, 2011 • 33

145. Spirit Slates. American [?], ca. 1930. Set of three finely crafted walnut slates and two metal flaps. All three slates feature internal spring mechanisms that allow them to conceal or release the flaps. Modeled after Thayer’s Dr. Q slates. 10 x 8 ¼”. Good condition.

150/300

146. [Stage Magic] Group of six vintage stage magic props. Including three nesting Organ Pipes; a Barber Pole Production; a small chromed Lota Bowl with unusual cork stopper; an early Magic Funnel (possibly manufactured by Thayer); a jumbo card houlette made of speckled brown board with outer sleeve, deck, and moveable components; and a spun metal Dove and Rat Bottle. American and European, 1920s – 50s. Condition varies, but generally good.

200/250

147. Steel Ball Through Glass. California, Milson-Worth, ca. 1980. A sheet of glass is placed in a small walnut frame with hinged lid. A steel ball penetrates the glass despite its position imprisoned in the wooden frame. 2 ¾ x 4 ¼”. Very good condition.

150/250

148. Sucker Sliding Card Frame. Chicago, L.L. Ireland, ca. 1940. Similar to the sucker Die Box, the magician causes a jumbo card to vanish from this metal frame after considerable comedy by-play. The card later reappears elsewhere. Lacquered in red and blue with Asian decals approximating the look of an Okito prop. 12 x 10 ¾”. With photograph of original owner, Bob Ellis. Good condition.

150/200

149. Surprise Box. Leiden Holland, Anverdi, ca. 1980. A card is selected and lost in the deck. The cards are dealt into a two-deck case one at a time, face down. Suddenly, the lid of the box snaps shut on its own. The card on top of the deck in the spectator’s hand is the selection. Good condition.

200/300

150. Sympathetic Silk Stand. American [?], ca. 1925. Chrome-plated stand, which, while appearing innocent, facilitates the performance of the Sympathetic Silk trick in which knots vanish and appear in a set of silk handkerchiefs in sympathy with a matching set of hanks in the magician’s hands. 14 ¼” high. Small dents to pedestal, but overall good condition. Uncommon.

200/300

150

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151. Sensational Talking Skull. Colon Michigan, Abbott’s Magic Novelty Company, ca. 1949. Mechanically operated papier mache skull which clicks its jaws – once for “yes,” twice for “no” – to answer questions from the audience and magician. No instructions. Lacks winding key (easily replaced), otherwise good condition.

1,500/1,800

A poor man’s version of Joseffy’s famous talking skull, Balsamo, this prop was still expensive, selling for the princely sum of $95 in 1947. Few were sold; fewer have survived.

153. Triple Flag Spray. London, Harry Leat, ca. 1929. As a finale to a production of silks, the magician conjures up a spray of three tiers of flags, each on a metal pole. The display includes 21 national flags standing over 40” high. Silk flags show some wear, but overall good condition.

150/250

This effect was a favorite of several well-known magicians including Edwin Maro and Karl Germain. Germain billed the trick as the Flags of All Nations in his programs.

152. Tambourine Production. Kansas City, Donald Holmes [?], ca. 1929. The magician creates an impromptu tambourine by securing a piece of tissue paper between two nesting nickel-plated rings. From inside the tambourine, he then produces a gigantic quantity of handkerchiefs and other objects. Spun load chamber and two rings nickel plated. 7 ¾” in diameter. Good condition.

100/150

154. Turntable Stand. American [?], ca. 1930. A low wooden stand on which the magician places a glass. By depressing a brass plunger at the back of the stand, the glass rotates 180 degrees. Similar to a device manufactured by Thayer and Owen, but in this example, the action of the stand is spring loaded. 5 ¾” in diameter. Paint shows wear, otherwise good condition.

150/250

151

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October 29, 2011 • 35

155. Ultra-Perfect Clipboard. Cincinnati, Maverick Magic, 2004. An apparently innocent clipboard that allows the magician to secretly obtain information from a spectator. Fine condition.

75/150

159. Vanishing Alarm Clock. Akron, H. Marshall & Co., ca. 1940. A large alarm clock rests on a tray. The magician covers the clock with a foulard and lifts the clock from the tray. He gives the audience one last look at the clock under the cloth before throwing it into the air, where the clock vanishes. Tray trimmed with hammered metal, measures 11 ¼ x 11 ¼” and conceals ringing mechanism. Good condition. Uncommon.

300/400

160. Vanishing Birdcage. Colon Michigan, Abbott’s Magic Novelty Co., ca. 1950. A small brass birdcage bound with red ribbon trim visibly vanishes from the magician’s bare hands. 5 ¼ x 4 ¾ x 4 ¾”. Good condition.

100/150

156. Improved Unbelievable Production Box. Colon Michigan, Abbott’s Magic, ca. 1941. An oblong box can be seen to be empty. The lid is closed and immediately a production of silk handkerchiefs is made from within. Box measures 4 ¼ x 4 ¼ x 7 ½”. Fair condition.

50/100

157. Uncanny Silk Casket. Bridgeport Connecticut, Sherms, ca. 1940. A stainless steel box is shown empty by opening its doors. A moment later, a quantity of silk handkerchiefs are produced from inside it. Includes an extra load chamber. With original box. Load chamber hallmarked. Good condition.

75/150

One of many unauthorized version of the famous Demon Wonder Box first marketed by Lewis Davenport & Co. of London.

158. Utility Tube. New Haven Connecticut, Petrie & Lewis, ca. 1950. A tall cylinder is empty one moment, and then is suddenly filled with silk handkerchiefs. Can also be used to vanish or exchange objects. Nickel plated brass with celluloid exterior. 7 ½” long. Good condition.

50/150

161. Vanishing Birdcage. Warren Simms [?], ca. 1960. Small rectangular cage is removed from a wooden box, and then vanishes from between the magician’s hands. Complete with wooden carrying case, pull and leather wrist strap. 6 ½ x 4 ¾ x 4 ¾”. Hallmarked. Box and wrist strap bear signatures of former owner. Very good condition.

150/250

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162. Vanishing Candelabrum. Glendale California, Loyd, ca. 1945. A faux bronze candlestick with three burning candles vanishes from atop a thin wooden tray. Requires no assistants or special stage furniture to accomplish, and the tray can be shown on both sides after the candelabrum has vanishes. Hallmarked. Spring roller in need of restringing, otherwise very good condition. With instructions. Uncommon.

300/500

Advertised as “Loyd’s first post-war release,” this trick sold for the considerable sum of $42.50 in 1945.

163. Vanishing Cocktail Shaker. Columbus Ohio, U.F. Grant, ca. 1946. After pouring a drink from a cocktail shaker, the magician places it in a paper bag and crumples up the same; the shaker has vanished. Chrome plated brass and plastic. 8 ½” high when extended. Very good condition.

50/100

164. Vanishing Glass. Colorado Springs, Paul Fox, ca. 1945. Intelligently designed chrome-plated pitcher that facilitates the vanish of a glass full of water from a paper tube. After disposing of the glass in the cleverly made pitcher, the tube is crushed to show that the glass has vanished. Similar to Tannen’s Crash Glass Vanish. With original tumbler. Pitcher stands 5 ¾” high. Fine condition. Rare.

300/400

Paul Fox was one of magic’s elite, a great thinker, designer, and performer who counted Dai Vernon, Al Baker and Cardini among his closest friends. Today, Fox is best known for his revolutionary design of cups for the Cups and Balls trick. In addition to the cups, he manufactured several other magician’s props, including Linking Rings, a coin pail, and this vanishing glass trick. His creations were made in extremely limited quantities – likely 12 or less. Even fewer Fox originals have survived the years.

165. Vase, Cone, Beans and Orange Trick. Denver, Paul Fox, ca. 1942. Aluminum vase 9 “ high, metal cone (also known as a “skittle”) and one shell, which allows the performer to perform an elaborate transposition effect between a quantity of dry beans, the skittle and an orange. Possibly unfinished; the solid skittle is actually a wooden mandril used in the metal spinning process with the aluminum shell still affixed to it. With letter of provenance. Very good condition.

250/300

These props were handed down from Paul Fox to Stewart Judah. From Judah they passed to John Braun. From Braun’s collection they were acquired by Harold Puff. Puff presented them to Ken Klosterman.

162

163

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October 29, 2011 • 37

166. Wandering Mummies. Munich, Zauberzentrale, ca. 1992. A hand-carved wooden sarcophagus travels invisibly from one casket to another. The miniature caskets are decorated in gold and copper and are cast in a heavy composition material; the mummies are hand-carved wood. Lids of each casket conceal mechanisms which operate the trick. Includes original cloth-lined carrying case. Caskets measure 2 ½ x 5 ½ x 2”. Very good condition. Uncommon.

800/1,200

MAgiCAl WoodCrAft of f.g. tHAyer And tHe oWen BrotHers

167. Wandering Willie. London, Burtini, ca. 1948. Burtini’s version of the Bonus Genius trick in which a small doll disappears from between the magician’s hands and is reproduced from his pocket or, in this case, on the back of an audience volunteer. Includes two wooden dolls and original costume. Finish of ungimmicked doll significantly worn and chipped.

50/100

168. A-B-C Blocks (Princess Pachesis and the Three Dukes). Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1940. A wooden block vanishes from a stack of three when covered by a wooden tube, only to reappear in the magician’s hat. 10¼” high. With original instructions. Good condition.

200/300

169. Acrobatic Candle. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1930. A lit candle rises from its candlestick, revolves, and descends back into the stick, extinguishing itself. Turned wooden candle and stick with elaborate pulley system. Overall height of 15 ¾”. Metal supports possibly added under original base; paint worn, but overall good condition.

300/350

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October 29, 2011 • 39

170. Ball and Handkerchief Vase. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1920. A billiard ball placed in a wooden vase transposes locations with a handkerchief held in the magician’s hands. Turned maple vase lacquered in black; red ball measures 1 7/8” in diameter. Includes two turned wooden handkerchief balls matching the red ball, and a custom-made carrying case for all props, as well as two handkerchiefs. Very good condition. Uncommon. An outstanding example of Floyd Thayer’s masterful woodturning.

700/900

171. Perfecto Ball Stand. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1920. Magnificent parlor-size four-cup ball stand with rotating shells lacquered in white; stand finished in black and gold. 12 ¾” high. Very good condition.

500/750

172. Billiard Ball Rack. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1920. Parlor-size four-cup ungimmicked ball stand. Used to display billiard balls the magician produces between his fingers. 14 ¼ x 11 ¾”. Hallmarked. Good condition.

500/600

173. Billiard Ball Tube. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1920. Handsome wood turned tube. Magician can use the tube to vanish, produce, or exchange one billiard ball for another. Includes two white Thayer billiard balls of slightly different diameters, and a turned wooden cap for one end of the tube. Tube 5 x 1 ¾”. Very good condition.

300/400

174. Blue Phantom (parlor size). Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. A blue checker jumps from one position to another in a stack of yellow checkers when covered by a decorated tube. Tube lacquered with scarab design in four colors. Center post made of carved wood. 13” high. Good condition.

500/750

175. Blue Phantom (stage size). Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1935. A blue checker jumps from one position to another in a stack of yellow checkers when covered by a decorated tube. Tube lacquered with dragon design in four colors. 17 ¾” high. Light wear to base, otherwise good condition.

600/800

176. Bottle Silk Dyeing prop. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer [?], ca. 1930. Expertly turned wooden bottle with sliding false bottom, possibly for use in a silk dyeing or production trick. 9 ½” tall. Two small stress cracks near base, but overall good condition.

100/200

Though similar in form and appearance to many turned wooden items from the Thayer factory, the exact origin of this item is not certain.

177. Break-Apart Die Box. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. A die vanishes from a hardwood cabinet and reappears in a hat previously shown empty. Includes two double doors, and can be separated during the performance into two separate cabinets, between which the die is heard to pass. Singificantly scratched and worn and lacking metal shell. Fair condition.

150/200

178. Canary Production Box. Los Angeles, Owen Brothers, ca. 1950. A cabinet with glass sides in which a canary or other items can be made to appear. Gimmick is spring-loaded. 7 x 3 ½ x 6 ½”. Possibly lacks one pane of glass, otherwise good condition.

250/350

Though decorated in the customary Owen/Thayer colors and of a similar design to other Thayer and Owen props, no published record of this device has been uncovered.

179. Card and Coin Tray. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. A seemingly innocent mahogany tray that will secretly add playing cards or coins to a quantity of objects placed on the tray. With two secret compartments, one on each end of the tray. 11 ¼ x 8”. Very good condition.

150/200

180. Chameleon Box (Red and White Trick). Los Angeles, Owen Magic, ca. 1960. This square box (4 x 4 x 4 ¼”) changes color from white to red and back again when a handkerchief of a corresponding color is placed into it. An interior gimmick allows the handkerchiefs to vanish; an exterior gimmick causes the change in the box’s color. Good condition.

150/250

179

180


181. Super Change Bag. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. Attractive plush red bag attached to a finely turned wooden handle in the Thayer tradition which can be used to switch, vanish or produce small objects, including live animals. Rim 7” in diameter. Very good condition.

200/300

182. Changing Tray. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1930. Mechanical wooden tray that allows the magician to switch one deck of cards or one small object for another. 11 x 9 ½”. Good condition.

150/250

183. Clingo Billiard Balls. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, Ca. 1925. Set of four 1 5/8” white balls and matching shell for the classic multiplying ball trick. Hand crafted by Floyd Thayer, who was best known for his lathe-turned wooden products, and finished with a concentrically scored pattern approximating the appearance of a golf ball. This design feature allowed the performer a surer grip on the spheres. Paint flaking, otherwise good condition. Uncommon.

700/800

184. Coin Box. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1925. Turned wooden box lacquered in black and gold. Similar in some ways to an Okito coin box, as the lid and base are interchangeable. 2 ½” in diameter. Good condition.

100/200

185. Coin Tray. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer [?], ca. 1940. Blonde wooden tray that allows the magician to secretly add coins to a pile on the tray when the coins are dumped into a spectator’s hand. 8 ½ x 6 ½”. Good condition.

75/150

186. Commando. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1940. A wooden block threaded on a length of string stops and starts its journey along the cord at the performer’s command. 1 ½ x 1 ½ x 3 ½”. Good condition.

50/150

187. Crystal Ball. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. Large crystal gazing ball on lacquered wooden stand turned by Thayer. Stand hallmarked. Good condition.

300/350

188. Deck Switching Tray. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1925. An apparently innocent mahogany tray that allows the magician to silently and mechanically switch one deck for another. 7 x 9 ¾”. Very good condition.

250/350

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October 29, 2011 • 41

189. Devil’s Jug (large). Los Angeles, ca. 1940. Round red glass lota bowl which refills itself repeatedly each time it is emptied. Sold by Thayer under various names including the “Rose Bowl.” 6” tall. Golden’s Magic Wand label underneath. Very good condition.

200/300

190. Devil’s Jug (small). Los Angeles, ca. 1940. Round red glass lota bowl which refills itself repeatedly each time it is emptied. Sold by Thayer under various names including the “Rose Bowl.” 4” tall. Very good condition.

150/250

191. Demon’s Desk Rack. Los Angeles, Owen Magic Supreme, ca. 1955. A hardwood frame which allows the performer to visibly yet secretly switch one envelope for another in the action of placing an envelope in the frame. 6 ½ x 8 ½ x 3 ½”. With original instructions. Good condition.

250/300

192. Devil’s Mail Box/Devil’s Card Rise. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1944. A gold lacquered picture frame on an elaborate base allows the performer to visibly yet secretly switch one envelope for another in the action of placing an envelope in the frame. 6 ½ x 9 ¾ x 2 ¾”. With instructions. Good condition.

250/300

193. New Devil’s Pillars (parlor size). Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. Cords running through two oblong wooden pillars are cut and restored. Lacquered in orange, black and gold. 9 ¾” long. Paint worn and in need of re-stringing. Good condition.

200/300

194. New Devil’s Pillars (stage size). Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. Cords running through two oblong wooden pillars are cut and restored. Lacquered in red, black and gold. 18” long. Paint chipped and cords replaced as usually encountered. Good condition.

250/350

195. Dinner Plate and Handkerchief. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1926. The magician inverts an empty dinner plate on his table. A handkerchief vanishes from his hands and is discovered under the plate but a moment later. Turned wooden plate lacquered to resemble an ordinary china plate. 9” in diameter. Good condition.

250/350

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196. Doctor Q Prediction Chest. Los Angeles, Owen Brothers, ca. 1959. A cleverly-designed chest that allows the magician to secretly introduce a billet into it even though the chest is locked. Finish scratched from use and interior lining worn, but overall good condition.

200/300

197. Drawer Box. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. Handsome hardwood box is shown empty and a moment later is full of fruit, toys, or even a live rabbit. Holdback feature built into the underside of the box; knob also has holdback feature built in. 5 x 9 ¼ x 4 ½”. Good condition.

200/250

198. Drop-Model Production Cabinet. Los Angeles, Owen Brothers, ca. 1955. Magician shows a small cabinet empty by lowering all four sides of the box. When reassembled, articles can be produced from the interior of the box. Table-model version of this classic prop. 19 ½” high. Finish and load chamber show general wear; good condition.

400/600

199. Drum Head Tube. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1920. Large and imposing all-wood Drum Head Tube. Magician shows tube empty, caps ends with tissue paper, then produces a large number of handkerchiefs from inside. Expertly wood-turned tube with two turned wooden rings and “bullet” gimmick with turned wooden rim. Tube stands 12” high with opening 3 5/8” in diameter. Very good condition.

800/1,200

200. Dy-Flyto. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. A visible transposition of a large die. A large die is removed from a wooden box and set on a tray. It visibly transforms into a grapefruit while atop the tray and is reproduced moments later from the box from which it was just removed. Elaborately stenciled designs on the wooden box, as well as mechanical die and tray. With instructions. Some spotting to cloth covering of tray, but overall very good condition. Scarce.

1,800/2,200

201. Emergency Card Frame. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. The magician disassembles a small picture frame which is shown to be empty. It is reassembled and later, a selected card appears inside the frame. Mahogany frame measures 4 ¼ x 5 ¼”. Good condition.

50/150

198

200196

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October 29, 2011 • 43

202. Find the Lady Cubes. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1930. A mechanical version of the famous Three Card Monte. The operator places three wooden blocks, each with a different card pasted on it, into a wooden tube with three doors. No matter how closely the spectators pay attention, they can never locate the cube bearing the Queen of Spades. Gimmicked tube stands 11” high. Light wear to finish, but overall good condition. Uncommon.

600/800

203. Flap Tray. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1925. A mahogany tray that allows the magician to switch cards placed on it for a duplicate set. 8 x 6”. Good condition.

100/200

204. Flying Handkerchief and Soup Plate. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1930. A handkerchief vanishes from between the magician’s hands and reappears under an overturned soup plate on the conjurer’s table. Turned wooden plate gimmicked with false bottom. Finish considerably worn. Fair condition.

150/300

205. Sellers’ Hat Brush. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1935. A faux hat brush that secretly loads a stack of coins into a borrowed hat in the action of brushing it out. 2 ½ x 4 x 1 ½”. Good condition.

50/100

206. Jumbo Four-Ace Stand. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1940. Cleverly gimmicked stand holds four packets of jumbo cards and facilitates the switching of cards without sleight-of-hand or the performance of the popular four-ace trick. 23 x 10”. Good condition.

250/350

207. Miracle Penetration (Glass Penetration). Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer [?], ca. 1940. Polished mahogany frame holds a sheet of glass and eight curved steel clips, four on each side. Cards are inserted under the clips and pencil is thrust through the center of the glass. When removed, holes remain in the cards, but not the glass. Gimmick locks. Frame measures 9 ½ x 10 ¼”. Fine condition.

200/300

203

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208. Greatest Solid Thru Solid (Block Go). Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1945. The magician stacks two open tubes on top of each other, separating the tubes with small piece of glass. A wooden block is dropped into the upper tube and visibly penetrates the glass, arriving in the lower tube. Block measures 2 ½”. Very good condition.

250/300

211. Tumbler Pedestal (Handkerchief Pedestal). Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1935. Turned wooden pedestal on which the magician rests a drinking glass, which he covers with a handkerchief. When the cloth is later removed, a vanished silk handkerchief has appeared inside the glass. Spring loaded mechanism. 8 5/8” high. Light wear to finish on base, otherwise good condition.

200/300

212. Haunted Cabinet and Discs of Quong Hi. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1928. A exquisitely decorated cabinet that allows the magician to mysteriously transpose the location of a stack of checkers, a glass of rice, and a wooden “Ghost.” 23 x 19”. Light wear to finish of one foot, but overall good condition. Uncommon.

3,000/3,500

This is Thayer’s version of the popular Checker Cabinet trick originated by Okito (Theo. Bamberg).

213. Here-There-Or Where? Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co. ca. 1930. A startling transposition trick in which a bottle, orange, and quantity of rice magically change places in quick succession. Apparatus includes a Thayer-turned Rice Vase, pedestal, and set of Thayer-made nesting bottles and tubes. Finish of all items generally worn, but overall good condition. Scarce.

500/700

Thayer advertised the trick as “A surprising combination, full of pep from start to finish….” and, “As fine an opening feature as one could wish for, and absolutely no skill necessary.”

214. Double-Load Locking Jap Box. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1940. An open-ended mahogany box with removable bottom is repeatedly shown empty, yet the magician can produce handkerchiefs from it at any time. Clever locking load chambers have been built into the walls of the box. 7 ½ x 5 x 6”. Good condition.

150/250

215. Joss House Drawer Box. Los Angeles, Owen Brothers, ca. 1950. The magician produces a live rabbit from a once-empty box, then produces a number of flowers and handkerchiefs from it, as well. Before the second production is made, the box can be shown empty by opening the rear panel and thrusting the magician’s hand completely through it. Drawer features locking mechanism. 6 x 9 ½ x 5 ½”. Hallmarked. Good condition.

400/600

Also known as the Sesame Drawer Box.

209. Jack Gwynne Rabbit Vanish. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1940. A rabbit is placed in a decorated wooden box. After comedic by-play – the audience suspects the rabbit is moving from one chamber of the box to another – the magician opens doors in the front and back of the box and thrusts his arms through. The rabbit is gone. 12 x 9 x 6 ½”. Good condition.

300/400

210. Handkerchief Frame. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1935. Mahogany frame to which the magician pins a borrowed handkerchief. The frame is then inserted into an envelope. Magician stabs the envelope with a knife and pours water over it, yet when the handkerchief is removed, it is both unharmed and dry. 12 ½” square. Pinholes at corners from use; overall good condition.

150/250

209

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October 29, 2011 • 45

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216. Milady’s Parasol. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. The cover of an attractive sunshade transposes with silk handkerchiefs placed in an attractive velvet handbag. Turned wooden handle accents metal parasol; frame of handbag made of chromed brass. Parasol 21” long. Handbag hallmarked “Walter Baker Magic.” Good condition.

500/700218. Mirage. Los Angeles, Thayer/Loyd, ca. 1930. A glass of water is set on a small table and covered with three tubes. The magician then removes the tubes one at a time from the stand. The glass of water has vanished. Suspecting that the water is hidden under the draped stand, the magican then removes the drape, too. The glass has completely vanished. Height of stand 13 ¼”. Good condition. Scarce.

500/600

Though manufactured by E. Loyd Enochs (Loyd), this trick was sold exclusively by Thayer.

217. Miracle Frame. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1939. An empty frame with two doors is closed and when reopened, a picture has appeared inside. After closing the doors again, a second picture is produced. Can also be used to change one object for another. 9 x 11”. Possibly lacking table stand. Wear to finish and splitting of wood in some areas, but working condition.

250/350

219. Mysto Die and Frame (Jumbo). Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer, ca. 1930. The magician places a solid wooden cube into a wooden frame resting on a pedestal. A ribbon is threaded through holes in the frame and cube, yet at the performer’s command, the cube is released from the frame. Cube measures 6” square, lacquered in six colors. Light wear to paint at edges of frame and cube, but overall good condition. Uncommon in this size.

500/600

212

212

212

212

October 29, 2011 • 47

220. Nic’s Napkins. Los Angeles, F.G. Thayer & Co., ca. 1930. Six colored napkins are removed from similarly-col

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